YOU must be at least 21 years old to attend THIS EVENT

REMINDER: PLEASE drink RESPONSIBLY - DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE

BAJA CALIFORNIA's BEER MOVEMENT: 9,000 years in the making

México's tradition of brewing beer may date back as early as 7000 BC, when Mesoamerican cultures indigenous to the land that is modern-day México made several fermented beverages including a corn beer, long before the arrival of Spanish Conquistadors. In the early 1500s, the Spanish introduced European-style beer brewed with barley. Yet it wasn't until the end of the Mexican War of Independence (1810-1821), that German immigrants arrived in México, bringing with them deep traditions of Bavarian-style beer making. Bavarian-style brewing caught on commercially in México, as is evidenced by the variety of pilsners, lagers, ambers, and bocks available under Mexican labels today.

The 1990s rushed in an era of prolific independent craft beer making in the United States, while neighboring México has remained dominated by a few big corporate breweries. In the late 90s, San Diego's home-brew revolution took off, sparking the launch of over 100 independent craft breweries. That success must have splashed over the border into the Baja California cities of Tijuana, Tecate, Mexicali, and Ensenada. Inspired by the craft beer movement north of the border, and a burgeoning farm-to-table foodie movement at home, a small contingent of fiercely independent, entrepreneurial, and passionate Mexican beer makers from these border towns have started brewing beer that many connoisseurs consider on par with the best craft beers produced in San Diego and beyond. These innovative, playful and unique craft beers are landing on the menus of Baja California's most celebrated chefs, including Javier Plascencia, Miguel Angel Guerrero, Diego Hernández, Drew Deckman, and Chad White. While Mexican craft beer only represents one percent of all beer sold in México, this grass-roots movement shows no sign of retreating.

Established in 1978, Mingei International Museum collects, conserves and exhibits arts of daily use - by anonymous craftsmen of ancient times, from traditional cultures of past and present, and by historical and contemporary designers. This event is intended to fit with the Museum's charter, celebrating the handmade craft, multi-cultural influence, and cross-border collaboration that is BAJA BEER CRAFT.